UNHCR hosts roundtable discussion on refugee inclusion and economic growth
© UNHCR/Salahaldeen Abdulrahman
Chisinau, Moldova, 25 November 2022: UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency hosted a roundtable discussion yesterday on refugee inclusion and economic growth. “Moldova has set an example for the world in fulfilling the vision of the Global Compact on Refugees,” said Gillian Triggs, UNHCR’s Assistant High Commissioner for Protection. “The roundtable explored how to ensure refugee inclusion and economic growth along with both humanitarian and development actors.”
The roundtable comprises a discussion on two aspects of stabilizing development support to refugees and host communities alike. The first session focused on operationalizing a temporary protection regime for refugees from Ukraine. Minister of Labour and Social Protection Marcel Spatari explained: “Under the provisions of the Commission for Emergency Situations, some temporary facilities and rights have been granted to refugees from Ukraine in our country. In a context where the conflict is growing in Ukraine, we must be prepared with the necessary instruments to safely manage the flow of refugees and provide them with adequate forms of social protection, including in the long term, in order to facilitate social inclusion.”
This emphasis on inclusion was echoed by many participants. Jana Costachi, State Secretary in the Ministry of Internal Affairs highlighted the need for “a holistic approach because it is not only about people and the help given to them, but also about securing a person in need.” She also drew attention to pressures on institutional resources and attention at a time when the Government is facing multiple challenges at once.
The second session discussed how different actors around the table could collaborate to promote inclusive economic growth. “A focus on a comprehensive transition towards resilience-based, long-term development solutions is needed, with more investment creating opportunities for sustainable development ensuring no one is left behind,” noted United Nations Resident Coordinator Simon Springett. “UN Moldova support to the Government will continue to focus on strengthening and supporting national systems to build resilience against future shocks and crisis, and to enhance social protection schemes benefiting both vulnerable refugees and Moldovans, families and children while promoting social cohesion.”
Participants represented different sectors of society: all levels of government, local authorities, civil society, refugees, state partners, development actors, financial institutions, and international organizations. Sajjad Malik, Director of UNHCR’s Division of Resilience and Solutions, underscored that “a whole-of-society approach is essential to allow refugees to contribute to their host communities.” Ganna Sokur, a refugee from Ukraine who represented the NGO initiative Moldova for Peace, presented her own example of arriving at a master’s degree and a desire to actively contribute to her community. She added: “There are many favourable bases for refugee inclusion here, such as similarity of mentality, culture, and language. Targeted help, for those refugees that need particular support, is important to maximize these prospects.”
The Republic of Moldova has received nearly 698,000 arrivals from Ukraine and currently hosts over 96,600 refugees from Ukraine. A substantial number of those who remain in Moldova are women, children, and elderly refugees.
UNHCR hosts roundtable discussion on refugee inclusion and economic growth
UNHCR hosts roundtable discussion on refugee inclusion and economic growth
UNHCR hosts roundtable discussion on refugee inclusion and economic growth
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